"Scientifically proven", "clinically tested", "evidence-based" – hardly any area of dietary supplements today manages without such terms.
But what does evidence actually mean when it comes to micronutrients?
Above all, it means distinguishing between different levels.
1. Has the nutrient been studied in principle?
There is often a very extensive body of scientific literature for vitamins and minerals.
However, that alone does not say anything about a specific product.
2. Which chemical form is used?
Magnesium oxide is not magnesium bisglycinate. Folic acid is not identical to 5-MTHF. And an omega-3 source with predominantly DHA differs in its composition from an EPA-dominated source.
The specific form of a substance can therefore be scientifically relevant.
3. Which dosage was studied?
A common error in interpreting studies is applying a result to completely different dosages. If a study examines 250 mg of a substance, the result cannot automatically be applied to 25 mg – nor automatically to 1,000 mg.
4. Which population was studied?
Results for
- healthy adults,
- the elderly,
- children,
- people with a deficiency, or
- patients with a specific condition
are not interchangeable.
5. What was actually measured?
The choice of endpoint is also decisive. A changed laboratory value is not automatically synonymous with a health benefit. A subjective questionnaire is not the same as an objectively measured clinical endpoint. And a statistically significant difference does not necessarily have to be large or practically relevant.
What we mean by evidence-oriented product development
For us, a scientifically oriented formulation therefore does not mean placing as many study logos or spectacular study results as possible next to a product.
The following are much more important:
- Selection of comprehensible raw material forms
- appropriate dosages
- Review of the scientific literature
- Consideration of the actual study population
- transparent declaration
- Quality testing of raw materials
- ongoing evaluation of new scientific findings
Experience from practical application can additionally provide information on handling and tolerability. However, it does not replace a controlled clinical study and is not proof of efficacy.
Conclusion
Evidence is not created simply because a product contains a "scientifically known" ingredient.
The entire chain is decisive:
Substance – form – dosage – study population – endpoint – quality of evidence.
Precisely this differentiation turns scientific marketing into scientifically oriented product development.
